Japan is
a safe country compared to many. As a general rule, even
as a solo female traveler, you'll be safe walking round
almost all districts even late at night. However, common
sense should always be followed as nowhere is perfect. If
you feel something isn't right then it probably isn't.

Unfortunately,
in recent times, the popular expat area of Roppongi
and surroundings has seen some rather unpleasant
developments. A number of women have reported having their
drinks spiked and then being manhandled while they couldn't
respond. This has become such a problem that the American
Embassy and others sent out a warning to the expat female
community warning them to take extreme care and make sure
they keep their eye on their drink at all times.

When
you're traveling on the trains in Tokyo or other areas of
Japan, it is a fairly well known fact that there are cases
of groping particularly during rush hour crush. Not a pleasant
thought. If it does ever happen to you, raise the hand of
the culprit and shout "chikan"
which means pervert. You need to report any such incident
to the nearest koban (police station). Try and enlist help
to keep hold of the jerk in question.

As a result
of the groping problem on trains, some lines have now introduced
all female carriages
during peak travel periods. Usually they are located at
either ends of the train and there will be signs in English
as well as Japanese, generally marked on the platform floor,
so you know where to get on. Not all lines have these, but
if it is provided why not take advantage of a hassle free
ride. By the way, I've never had any bad experiences on
the trains myself, but I'm always aware of what's going
on around me.

Girls just
want to have fun...

If
you like karaoke, there is a fabulous location actually
in Roppongi.
Now if there's a group of you this is a perfect venue as
it will only be you and your friends or guests in your karaoke
room. No danger of some weirdo spiking your drink here.
Why do I like it? You can choose your room according to
what mood you're in. There's the Arabian suite, the Ibiza
Suite, or the Aqua Suite for starters. If you want to see
the individual rooms click on the Japanese language option
and then choose 'private rooms' to see pictures of what's
on offer. Website: http://www.lovenet-jp.com/english/description.html

Having access
to local news and 'what's on' plus keeping abreast of world
events is sometimes essential, especially when you're traveling
on business. Of course there's the internet where you can
check your regular items, but if you want to pick up a newspaper
to thumb through over your morning coffee, there are some
excellent English language options available. You can choose
from the Japan Times,
the Daily Yomiuri or
the Herald &
Tribune.

Want to
see a movie while you're in Tokyo? There are many theaters
that show English language films (usually subtitled in Japanese).
For a sampling of what's on see the Japan
Times listing. Click
here.

Shop,
shop, shop...

Are you
a shopoholic? In Tokyo I highly recommend a visit to the
area called Odaiba.
There are three huge shopping malls to enjoy. Start with
Venus Fort
(targeting the female shopper) which has a European inside
outside theme going on with artificial sunrises and sunsets
to add to the atmosphere. When you've had enough of that
one head over to Aqua City
and Tokyo Decks(a 10-15 minute walk away) where you can enjoy
lunch outside with great views over Rainbow
Bridge and Tokyo
Bay. Beautiful.

If you're
not Asian, clothes shopping will probably be an issue when
you're in Japan. The average Japanese girl is a totally
different shape to the average US or UK girl so 'trying
on' can be, at the least frustrating and at the worst demoralizing.
If you have curves then I'd honestly recommend forgetting
about this one and just get on with enjoying all the other
options available.

If you're
a bargain hunter then you need to find your nearest hyakuen
store (100 yen shop). The basic principle
is similar to that of a $1 store, everything costs 100 yen.
You can find some really neat stuff in these, particularly
the larger ones. Check out the Japanese plates, chopsticks
and other kitchen utensils. Just take a bag with you for
all the things you'll walk out with! This is a good
link provided by the Japan
National Tourist Organization that will
show you how to get to the major 100 yen shops around the
city circle line.